Tag Archives: women in film

12 YEARS A SLAVE epitomizes the character of the human spirit.

Today’s panelists, Rachel V. Byrd and Dami Akinnusi join our host, Safitya Songhai, in Manhattan at the downtown Lower East Side wine bar, Amuse, to discuss and review the stylistic, ground-breaking film, 12 Years a Slave. Directed by British filmmaker, Steve McQueen and featuring a screenplay by John Ridley. It stars Chiwetel Ejiofor, Alfre Woodward, Michael Fassbender, Benedict Cumberbatch, Lupita Nyong’o, Paul Giamatti and Brad Pitt. Considered by many to be one of the most important films of this year, 12 Years a Slave is based on the true story of Solomon Northrup, a 19th century free black man from upstate New York who finds himself sold into slavery. After an arduous twelve years, he manages to reclaim his life and write a book about his harrowing experience detailing the dark side of a chapter in American history.

What happens in today’s video film review when these three women: a recent Harvard grad, an award-winning British filmmaker and a film grad from New York University’s MFA program come together to discuss and review a historical drama of this significance? A most prolific conversation not to be missed. See for yourself.

WADJDA introduces us to a new voice and sight within a society rarely on view.

Today’s host, Justine Harrison, does a solo act at Videology, the unique movie theatre, video rental and bar hybrid located in Williamsburg, Brooklyn to review the international award-winning independent film, Wadjda.

In this episode’s video review, our host, Justine Harrison, discusses Wadjda, the directorial debut of Haifaa al-Mansour, the first female writer and director of Saudi Arabia. This inspiring independent film is also the first to be shot in this country and has received numerous international accolades for its efforts. Check out Justine’s take on this film and discover why she believes this should be seen by everyone.

Also featured is Mimi Spilllane, our “Video on Demand Pick of the Week” correspondent. She takes a stroll in Central Park in New York City while reviewing “Good Ol’ Freda”, the story of the former secretary to the Beatles, Freda Kelly.

Girl Most Likely would like to be on par to its cast.

Debra Kirschner, the episode’s host and the panelist, Patricia Koo, met up at the new location of the Wix Lounge, the free co-working and event space in New York City, to discuss the richly cast independent film, Girl Most Likely.

In this video review , filmmaker Debra Kirschner and photographer, Patricia Koo reveal their perspectives (sometimes agreeing and oft times not) on this film that you really want to see succeed.

Mimi Spilllane, our correspondent for our “Video on Demand Pick of the Week” segment is also included in this episode and gives us insight as to why she feels the indie film, “Ginger and Rosa” is the one worth your viewing time of all of new releases currently available on demand. This is the first time our two highlighted films feature the same actress. And who might that be? None other than Annette Bening. Two heapings of her can never be wrong.